This Pistons roster battle is far from over and almost laughable

Daniss Jenkins went from undrafted free agent to two-way contract, to starting in the playoffs for the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, so he’s battled for every minute he’s gotten in the NBA. 

That’s why those writing off Jenkins already do so at their own peril, as this is not a player who is going to let someone take what is his without a fight. 

That’s why I was laughing recently when I saw a projected depth chart for the Pistons that had Okorie already ahead of Jenkins for the backup point guard spot. Huh? 

Okorie has shown flashes in Summer League, but he’s a teenager who is in no way ready to assume a big role in the rotation. I would bet that Jenkins does not lose his spot to Okorie and is actually closer to being a starter than to being out of the rotation. 

Daniss Jenkins is putting in the work 

Guys like Jenkins don’t make it to the league by accident, it happens through grinding, and Jenkins is going to turn that up after finally getting an opportunity, not take it for granted that he’s part of the plan next season. 

While Okorie will get plenty of attention this summer, it’s Jenkins who is in the driver’s seat for the backup point guard spot, and given his work ethic, taking those minutes is going to be like taking a bone from a grizzly bear. Good luck, Okorie. 

Jenkins may end up in the starting five 

If the Pistons enter next season with the roster they currently have, Jenkins may end up in the starting five, as he was effective in that role in the postseason when Duncan Robinson had to miss time with an injury. 

Jenkins has shown he can play off the ball, and the Pistons have shown that they benefit from having a second ball handler on the floor next to Cade Cunningham. 

If Jenkins continues to improve his 3-point shooting, he could easily supplant Robinson in the starting five or be the fill-in if there are injuries, as he’s a better creator and defender than Robinson. 

After building him up all last season, it seems many of the pundits and fans have already written Daniss Jenkins off as a one-hit wonder who won’t be a part of the long-term plans, but that is premature. 

Jenkins will benefit from a full offseason with his Pistons coaches, trainers and teammates, and from the security of knowing he at least has a guaranteed deal. 

But that won’t make Jenkins content and will only light a bigger fire underneath him, so I wouldn’t give away his spot in the rotation to a rookie just yet. 

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